Early Risers.

[New Haven Neil]

Morning.  Not rushing in to work for a change, as per last night's post, nothing leaves the island today.

 

So, it just remains to wish you all a Nollick Ghennal.

 

 

[New Haven Neil]

PS It's not bright and frosty like that here this morning - it's Pishill-ing it down!

[Simon G]

Morning all,

Up early for the final visit to the shops before something happens tomorrow!  Eldest son and daughter in law arrived last night, which was nice.  Youngest son arrives around lunchtime today, then we have a visit from daughter in law’s parents and sister, so a pleasant afternoon is forecast.

 

Weather seems reasonable for the next week, so we might manage a bit of fresh air and exercise over the period.

[PhilJ W]

Morning all from Estuary-Land. A bit damp here this morning but its stopped falling from the sky for the time being. As I'm up I might be tempted to go to Tess Coes before the madness begins. Not that I need much, just a few bits and bobs and the papers. Heres wishing all a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

[45156]

Morning All

 

Didn't get here yesterday, as I surmised the sewing box needed attention with paint stripper etc - and will need to be revisited today.  So generic greetings are as usual on offer to all - Rick, Polly and Neil, thanks for the pictorial greetngs, 

 

Today, I have the task of going into town (early) as there are a few things that I need - I've run out of epoxy glue, and there's a couple of things that I promised to mend before Christmas.  Also to drop 30747 in town to meet her friend for their traditional Chistmas Eve hot chocolate.  One thing does worry me is that there is now a Lidl supermarket right in the middle of a one way system which forms part of the main road into town, the A589, and which has a quite small car park, so I think that going in by the back road is called for there - but I then have to go to Bolton le Sands to pick up a couple of 30747's presents, and the road out of Lancaster could well be heavng as it will be affected by the Lidl traffic - I think a five mile detour via the back road might be in order again.

 

Time to get up - back later possibly, but tomorrow certainly.

 

Regards to All

Stewart

[polybear]

10 hours ago, Kingzance said:

Part of the smile might have been down to the owner of the beautification salon frequented by SWMBO greeting me like a rather close friend and hugging me as we left! I have to admit it brought a little relief to my cultivated frosty countenance too.

 

 

After the amount of modelling tokens she's no doubt lifted off you SWBO's loyal custom over the past year I reckon you've earned it....

 

9 hours ago, Tony_S said:

We have run out of things like Rich Tea and Digestive biscuits.  I am not sure why these  can’t be obtained from the Co-op which is within easy walking distance.

 

They wouldn't be in M&S packaging.  And it's obvious that if they cost twice the price then they must be twice as good...mustn't they?

[grandadbob]

As ChrisF might say my forgettery is functioning. . Whilst having breakfast only just remembered that I have to visit the dental mechanic at 11.00 am. Oh joy unbounded!

[Dave Hunt]

I am not going anywhere near the shops today or the fragile blossom of Christmas spirit that I am nurturing will wither and die in a few minutes. My only duties are to make some salted caramel sauce and rum sauce and do the higher maths required to cook the turkey so that it is neither poisonous nor leathery. This evening I have been persuaded to compère the carol service at the local church but the rest of the day is mine.

 

Most importantly, though, I want to thank all you ERs for the entertainment, amusement, information and friendly support that you have given to me during the past year. There have also, I know, been darker moments and some of you are still going through traumas and tribulations for which you have my sympathy and support, even though the latter is chiefly just moral. Overall, though, I think that being part of what Jamie called the wonderful, whacky world of ERs when he welcomed me aboard is a life enriching experience and one that I am glad to share. So thank you everyone and may you have the very best time over Christmas.

 

Dave

[BSW01]

Good morning everyone 

 

It’s been raining overnight but it’s currently ceased falling. There are no plans to venture through the front door today, although there maybe the odd bits to put into the recycling bins. As for the rest of the day, there will no doubt be a few domestic tasks that need doing, but what my part will be in these hasn’t yet been divulged by those in charge. Tomorrow is planned to be a very quiet day, with just the two of us.

 

 

MERRY CHRIST-MOOSE everyone

[TheQ]

Mooring Awl,  Inner Temple Finally Hare, 

A reasonable nights sleep of 4 hours,  plus 3 hours,  shortened again by Ben the alarm clock Collie,  he did have anything to chase this morning so stayed with the lights of the house. 

Everything was dripping so I suspect Ben waited for the rain to stop before summoning me. 

 

After breaky and minor pottering around,   it was off to Tess and Coe , I got there about 10 minutes, before opening.  I observed several late staff walking rapidly to go In, one punter tried to follow through the staff door. 

I was in 20 minutes,  most of which was waiting for the last bottle of Highland Park,  the empty box of which was on the shelf.  By the time I came out cars were queuing for the early leavers spaces.

Opposite TES and Coe,  is the McCarthy and Stones retirement home site.  Now surrounded by glossy holdings,  what ever you think of the company their builders are enthusiastic,  they've not stopped during daylight since they started.  The brickies were busy when I passed. 

 

Ben is beating up hedgehog again. 

 

Muggacoffee then,  back to the toolbox.. 

[jamie92208]

Good morning again.   A special update for inhabitants of north hipposhire.   As an attempt to evade more mundane domestic tasks I went out to record the flood and the growing and very muddy hollow.   I have had success on both fronts.

 

Here's a general view of the muddy hollow (sud) with it's eastward extension across the presidents highway.

 

It does extend quite a long way west and what were three separate hollows have now joined into one large one.

 

The council have thoughtfully marked the edge of the road but there are quite impressive piles of field detritus, probably mainly leftovers from harvest time.

The buzzard obviously had better things to do as he had deserted his post.

I just hope those poles stay upright they carry our village internet link.

 

Anyway when I got home I discovered I had been successful on both fronts, veg preparation has been postponed till tomorrow.

 

Jamie

 

[Kingzance]

Late on parade, certainly not due to sampling the cask strength Christmas Malt that The Whisky Exchange sent. And rather nice it is too but I have saved all but a large tot for later "celebrations". Cleaning the fire and veg prep are on the cards today, as is collecting the turkey from our local shop. I have a few gifts to curry favour with SWMBO that must be wrapped in accordance with the tradition of destroying more trees for paper that will simply be torn off and thrown away. I believe I am expected to escort her to the Village Green for a session of carol singing this evening but I may do that from the front room of the pub on the green.

 

May you all enjoy your Christmas however you spend it and, if this is the first Christmas for you under changed circumstances, I particularly wish you well. I will (hopefully) continue to drop in to keep abreast of developments in this important parallel (oops, did that one get under the radar?) universe over the next few days, meanwhile be of good cheer - I know there are many significantly more challenged than I.

[Oldddudders]

Morning all. Just a Dudders drive-by.

 

We were in Lidl before 8, thinking we hadn't much to buy - how wrong can you be? The usual small trolley was full and bursting by the time we got to the till - and that was without buying any of Lidl's 'toys' for adults or children, except a new set of cheapo fairy lights, the existing cheapo set being uncooperative after their third or fourth outing. Sherry is now looking out for the postman to give him his Xmas box.

 

We may venture to the Buccaneer for a mulled wine mid-afternoon, and Sherry is intent on getting me into church for the midnight service. She loves singing carols, while I'm not sure I love singing! It is a very long time since we were in the skool choir.... OTOH the vicar is a brilliant bloke, and I have threatened to buy him a pint if we can ever get him into a pub! 

 

Tomorrow we are due at a hotel for lunch, and have opted to stay the night, thus avoiding any driving issues. Yes it is a bit expensive, but we decided it was more fun than buying presents we don't need!

 

May we wish all ERs a Merry Christmas, and for those whose Christmas will never be quite the same again, due to a sadness in 2019, I would say the first is the worst. It does get better. 

[BoD]

Morning all

 

The cold that I felt coming on on Sunday has now developed into full blown man flu. What good timing.

I’m not sure if this is a new one or the return of the one I had a few weeks ago that I never quite managed to totally shake off.

Still...... ‘tis the season to be jolly and all that.

[leopardml2341]

2 hours ago, grandadbob said:

Good morning all,

Not raining at the moment but it was in the night. A bright start to the day is forecast followed by some showers, possibly heavy.

A bit of a disturbed night thanks to The Hip and The Shoulder and also the t#sser who fired up what sounded like a circular saw at 2.45 . There were about 3 bursts and a few clunks and car or van doors slamming but I couldn't see or figure out where it was (but I have my suspicions)  I'm tempted to make a disparaging comment in his hearing to see if it provokes any reaction. Something along the lines of "Did you hear that ####### ##### prat (or insert any other description you like, mine was a lot ruder at the time) wielding power tools in the middle of the night?" I think his English is good enough to understand that. 

It appears that notwithstanding the fact that "we've" been cleaning the house from top to bottom over the past couple of weeks "we" need to get it cleaned and tidied before our guests start arriving this afternoon. I'm assuming that "we" actually means me as I'm told that The Boss will be busy in the kitchen all morning  making sausage rolls, mince pies, cooking a ham etc etc.

I suppose I better think about getting some breakfast and then making a start.

Have a good one and if I don't get back on here today (or tomorrow) I wish you all a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas.

Bob.

Bob,

 

They could have been stealing catalytic converters from cars - heavy metal content makes them a good weigh in prospecct.

 

Police might be interested.

[Tony_S]

Good morning. 
It is sunny here but not that warm, everything seems to be drying out after the overnight rain. Aditi dealt with the bins and has gone to Canvey M&S. I still am not sure what for. She doesn’t even like M&S biscuits, she prefers the McVitie version. However there is a large Morrison’s next to M&S so I suppose she could use the “fewer than “ till for those items. 
My special light bulb has arrived so I can see my computer desk again. 
Otherwise not a lot happening. 
Tony
 

[Tony_S]

11 minutes ago, leopardml2341 said:

Bob,

 

They could have been stealing catalytic converters from cars - heavy metal content makes them a good weigh in prospecct.

 

Police might be interested.

That is what I thought too. Power saws and clunks in the night, missing cat in the morning. 

[Happy Hippo]

 

Hippo Christmas

[grandadbob]

Hadn't thought of that but I didn't hear any vehicle pulling away. I still suspect the Polish builder round the corner who has been known to make a noise and unload his van at ridiculous times of the night.

 

[Happy Hippo]

3 minutes ago, grandadbob said:

Hadn't thought of that but I didn't hear any vehicle pulling away. I still suspect the Polish builder round the corner who has been known to make a noise and unload his van at ridiculous times of the night.

 

Perhaps he'd been on the potato water and decided to nick the Cat from under his own van?

[Shedman5]

Hi Just to wish everyone on here a great Xmas, thought I would get that in now while I have time as  we are soon to be invaded by neighbours ( SWMBOS idea) then family and I know I will be under orders for most of the day!

 

Be safe and enjoy the day

 

Alan

[BoD]

Well, I suppose I better go and acquire some gifts for the nearest and dearest.

Do any of you well travelled people know of a 24hr Service Station that does gift wrapping?

[Simon G]

4 hours ago, New Haven Neil said:

PS It's not bright and frosty like that here this morning - it's Pishill-ing it down!

 

NHNs Pishilling it down arrived here just as we set off for the shops!  Fortunately for us,  most of it appears to have  dropped on Fraggle Rock, so we didn’t get too wet.  Now having a moment of relaxation before the day’s events start mid afternoon.

[TheSignalEngineer]

Yay! After a quick call in Tess Coes for half a dozen perishable items last night whilst out running an errand it was decreed this morning that 'Enough is Enough, we are not doing any shopping today.'  

Edited December 24, 2019 by TheSignalEngineer

[Gwiwer]

1 hour ago, BoD said:

Do any of you well travelled people know of a 24hr Service Station that does gift wrapping?

You want to gift-wrap petrol?????